Lakeland Police Officer Showed Compassion During a Tough Time

Saturday

Aug 24, 2013 at 12:01 AM

I want to voice my understanding for Dr. Beth Ricks regarding her stress ["Driving and Cellphones," Aug. 10], my disagreement with the follow-up letter showing no compassion [Ric Wasmuth, "Woman's Cellphone-Driving Rationale Doesn't Make Sense," Aug.14.] and delayed appreciation to the Lakeland Police Department.I've been in Dr. Ricks' shoes. Years ago I left work every day and went straight to the ICU unit to be with my husband, who was in critical condition. I would start crying as soon as I got in my car to go home. It was December and dark. At the traffic light at Lime Street and Sikes Boulevard, ready to make a left turn, I noticed a Lakeland police car across from me on The Lakeland Center side.I got a green turn arrow, made my turn and immediately realized I had turned into the wrong lane facing oncoming traffic and stopped. The policeman turned on his blue light and pulled in front of me. He stopped, got out, saw I was crying and asked what was wrong. He listened, offered to follow me home and asked if I had someone to call, which I did.He told me to follow him to an opening in the median where I was able to move into the correct side of the road. I used my cellphone with a family member staying with me the rest of the way home. I wish I'd had the presence of mind to get the policeman's name. He was kind, compassionate and a lifeline when I needed it. I found out many people had made that wrong turn especially at night and there had been accidents. Not long after, a marked turn lane was put there. I wish cellphone use and texting while driving were prohibited but understand what Dr. Ricks was going through. I would caution on the side of compassion. It could be you.J.R. SMITHLakeland